An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
